Our Little Bird is one month old today. I want to intentionally stress that this month has not been the peaceful, blissful experience that new parenthood is often made out to be on social media. While we acknowledge that we're SO fortunate to have had a relatively easy pregnancy and a healthy baby girl, this first month has been gut-wrenching. At Wren's one month check-up, our pediatrician confirmed that Wren most likely has colic, which is just a term used for babies that have un-diagnosed excessive crying. She also said it will probably get worse the next couple of weeks before it starts getting better. The good news is that her growth is on track - she's already 8 lbs, 5.8 oz and has grown a quarter of an inch.
What is helping me is learning that we are not alone in having a fussy baby girl. I posted to Facebook last night about my experience and so far have >70 comments and multiple texts from parents who also shared our experience the first three months. You rarely see or hear about parents' struggles with difficult infants. What you see are the beautiful photo shoots of sleeping babies, parents snuggling their little ones and sharing that their hearts are full, and documentations of cute milestones like eye contact and smiling. Wren's first month has been characterized by sleepless nights and crying pretty much always if she's awake. It has put me in a dark place and made me feel inadequate as a parent. The worst is when you share your experience with someone who had a relatively easy baby and all they can say is, "I'm sorry, that sounds awful." I'm learning from other parents and my OB that this is normal, and reminding myself that it's only temporary.
We've been lucky to have some extraordinary help the past week. My mom volunteered to stay the night on Wednesday to do Wren's night feedings, and I got a full night's rest for the first time in weeks. She also volunteered to do it again tonight! I'm also extremely grateful to my friends who have checked on me and continue to send encouraging messages and texts reminding me it gets better! One day at a time. Here are some photos of the sweet moments with Wren the past week.
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| Cam as an infant. I think we know which one of us she looks like. ;) |
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| On the way to her one month check-up |
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| She loves this swing her Great Aunt Kim gave to her the most out of all of her swings/bouncers |
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| One month with the bird |
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| But let's be honest, this one captures her true character the best ;) |
Jenny, I’m a friend of Camerons from High School. I feel your pain, mama. Our first was just like this. I could only get her to sleep in her car seat while driving and sometimes that would even be a bust. I must have gone around our block 100,000 times in the first few months. (While crying myself at the same time.) Although I had hoped to exclusively nurse, we ended up switching to Nature’s Only Lactose Free formula from Amazon and eventually I rejoined the living world. You’re NOT alone! Do what you have to do to stay sane and don’t feel an ounce of guilt.
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